Blush + Bashful

This week I’m going to address the questions we always get asked here at B&B. It’s not that we’re tired of answering these questions, so to speak. It’s just that there has got to be something else to ask a wedding planner. We’re people, too.

To add on to our post yesterday about bridal and baby shower food, we’ve come up with a list of delicious drink ideas for your fete. Cheers!

Drink ideas
Mimosa Buffet: This is great for a brunch shower. Grab your favorite type of bubbly and a bunch of juice mixers. Guests can mix their own. Don’t forget pretty fruits like raspberries and blueberries to drop in the bottom of the glass.
Bloody Mary Buffet: Another delicious brunch option, just like your favorite restaurants provide.
Lemonade stations: Blueberry, Mint, Raspberry, Limeade, Arnold Palmers, and Electric Lemonade are refreshing options for a summer shower.
Hot Cocoa Bar: Provide a few types of rich hot chocolate and mix-ins galore. Experiment with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, mint flavoring, raspberry liquor, homemade marshmallows.
Coffee Station: Similar to the hot cocoa bar, the coffee station lets guests play around with their favorite caffienated beverage! Don’t forget the Bailey’s and fresh cream.

Cheers!
Meghann

I’ve come up with a list of fabulous food for your Bridal Shower. We’ve done all of these within my group of friends, and they were each a big hit! (You could also use these ideas for Baby Showers.)

Food Options
Waffle or pancake action station: Borrow waffle makers or electric skillets and serve with tons of toppings: fruit, chocolate chips, real maple syrup, whipped cream, nuts, ice cream
Cupcake Buffets: Make your own or purchase from one of our local cupcake superstars, Sweet Mandy B’s, Swirlz, Sugar Bliss, or Molly’s Cupcakes. Arrange on our cute cupcake holders and serve with a dry champagne.
Mediterranean: Serve your guests a spread of pitas and falafel with hummus, tabouleh, chicken schwerma, stuffed grape leaves, baba ghannoug. Yum!
Pasta Party: Make a bunch of types of pasta and sauces. Let the guests mix and match to create their favorite combinations. Don’t forget plenty of wine!
Panini Station: Borrow some panini makers from friends and bring all of your favorite fixins for the smashed sammies. Include homemade breads from Red Hen or Panera for extra deliciousness.
Tea Party: Have all of the hostesses bring their favorite tea pot and tea. Make crustless sandwiches with cucumber, cream cheese, and other English treats. Get scones from Tipsy Cake in Humbolt Park.
Wine and Cheese: For a casual shower later in the day, this is a great option. Talk to Tracy at Provenance for the perfect pairings.
Kid’s Food: Mac and Cheese, Ants on a Log, Chocolate Chip cookies and milk, PB&J without crust, and chicken fingers would make adorable food for a baby shower.
Local Favorites: Hit up the farmer’s market for the freshest ingredients. This is a great addition to a “Green Shower.”Her favorite restaurant: If it is within reason, have her favorite restaurant cater the shower. She’ll be so excited!

Yum!
Meghann

My friend, Leann Shields, owner and coordinator of Wedding Bliss in Lexington Kentucky got the ultimate compliment yesterday. One of her fabulous weddings was showcased on Style Me Pretty, The Ultimate Wedding Blog. If you know anything about the world of wedding blogs, Abby Larson’s Style Me Pretty is pretty much the creme de la creme.

Start Here, on Page 3 and work backwards to see the entire amazing post…

Photo Credit: Frank Becker and Sarah Jane of The Time Photography (via Style Me Pretty)

Often, the all of the bridesmaids will get together and throw a Bridal Shower for the Blushing Bride-to-Be. But, if you’ve ever traveled/lived/gone out with with a group of girls, you know how difficult it can be to please everyone. I’ve come up with a few tips and ideas for managing a large group of hostesses so your favorite engaged friend feels like a queen.

1) Elect a leader to keep track of communications among the group. Otherwise everyone will be overwhelmed with emails and ideas!

2) Set a budget early so there are no surprises in the end. Get input from everyone in the group about what they can afford.

3) Give each hostess a task, or ask what she’d like to contribute to the efforts.

4) There are three ways to divvy up expenses: a) Have everyone purchase something that is about equal in price or b) Keep track of receipts. Have someone figure out how much each contributor spent. Those who paid less, give money to those who paid more. c) Have one person purchase everything and let the others pay her back later.

5) Be flexible and open to everyone’s ideas. Remember that this isn’t a party for you. It’s for your mutual friend!

Do you have any other ideas about planning a bridal shower with a group of women? If so, let me know! I’d love to add a few more tips to the list.

Best wishes,
Meghann